Why Should Someone Become an Uber Driver?

There’s a driver shortage right now, so Uber says it will spend $250 million on a ‘stimulus’ for drivers

According to The Verge, “Uber and Lyft have a driver shortage problem. With the number of US-based drivers for both apps down around 40 percent, the two companies are pledging to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to lure people back into the driver seat.”

Uber’s usage of technology to connect customers and drivers is revolutionary within the transport industry. Faced with a lot of revolts in its earlier days, many now are warming up to the concept of becoming Uber drivers.

For the ones who do not know what Uber is about, Uber will help passengers get from point A to point B without paying for a ride with cash. Users request a ride, then pay for it through the app.

Here are some great reasons to become an Uber driver in your area:

Extra Income!

The extra money you can make should intrigue you. The average driver makes $25 per hour and does about 45 trips a week. These figures may vary, depending upon where you reside, how often you work, and what the demand is like.

For example, if you work Uber part-time and complete 10 trips a week, you can earn about $150 each week which isn’t bad even after you set money apart for taxes. Also, if you own an older vehicle (say, 2006) you can still make good money. You do not need a BMW to make money with Uber.

Easy Job to Get

Uber has minimal requirements to become a driver. You must apply for and pass certain criteria to become a rideshare driver.

The company looks for safety as its main qualification, followed up by great customer service skills.

Additional criteria involve passing a background check, be at least 21 years of age, own a modern vehicle, have no substantial car accidents and have standard and valid car insurance.

Referral Bonuses

Uber provides bonuses for each new driver who signs up using incentives and a referral link to the ones who refer new drivers through that referral link. It’s a tactic to keep their driver volume high while simultaneously keeping competitors at bay. That way they protect customers from surge prices by having the largest percentage of employees under their brand.

The bonuses are available as you or the individual referred earn a specific quantity of rides in any given period.

Flexible Schedule

The flexibility that is found within the Uber platform is amazing. As Uber drivers, it’s possible to plan trips around other activities so that there’s time to plan other tasks and responsibilities.

It’s a benefit for working for Uber since it’s possible to drive whenever you want, for as long as you want.

Get Paid Daily or Weekly

You receive your earnings on a week-to-week basis. Uber sends payments out every Wednesday if you choose direct deposit. Additional options of payment include transferring money on a day-to-day basis and up to 3 times per day. This option of payment is referred to as Uber instant pay; it’s possible to use it to be paid whenever you wish.

Downtime

It’s both a good and bad reason. The good thing is that being a driver, you’ll get to plan your downtime to take a lunch, go for a relaxing stroll, or even take a nap. You’ll get to plan when you need to have some down time.

But you’re losing money by being on downtime. Therefore, be smart about when to take any breaks.

Regular Promotions

Something new drivers say they love about working for Uber is all of the promotions they have so you can make even more money. Often, Uber offers bonuses to drivers who finish a specific number of trips in one week.

The bonus quantities vary based upon the independent contractor because each driver might be at a different level, yet it is a great incentive to go out and make more.

For example, it’s possible to complete 10 trips in one week to make a $50 bonus. Or, you can do 25 trips and make a $40 bonus; the promotions will vary.

Other Perks

The company partners with other businesses particularly in the car industry to provide their employees exclusive perks. All new contractors have to get their cars inspected before starting.

For example, if you visit your local Jiffy Lube, you can receive a free car wash and a big discount on an oil change just because you drive for Uber.

Anyone who has visited Jiffy Lube knows their oil changes are high quality yet might be pretty expensive.

In addition, do not forget about those tax write offs. As you drive for Uber, you ought to carefully track your earnings and mileage in order for you to write off expenses such as gasoline, a part of your vehicle note payment (if it applies), maintenance, repairs, and much more.

Given all of the benefits of being a drive for Uber, it isn’t any wonder why some folks do it full time.

Is Driving Uber Safe?

While I cannot say with full certainty that anything bad will never happen while driving for Uber, I certainly cannot say that about any additional jobs you have. There are certain risks all around us, yet they usually are unlikely.

Uber’s experience is like that of a taxi driver. I would say cab drivers may have a higher risk of being robbed as the majority of them handle actual cash, whereas with Uber, all of those transactions are dealt with through the app.

While Uber runs a background check on every driver, I wish I could say the same for their passengers; however, I understand that they likely want to keep the process as streamlined as it can be and make the service obtainable to anyone who wants a reliable ride.

And with that being said, drivers are sent the identity of the passenger as they accept a trip and have to verify it as they arrive to pick up the passenger.

If you believe you may want to begin driving for Uber, yet you have a few safety concerns, I would reach out to Uber with any questions and ask others who are currently driving for them to survey their experiences.

Everything aside, I believe Uber is an incredible opportunity for anyone who thinks they would enjoy it.